After reading the mixed reviews here about the trail being super bumpy and overrun by ATVs, my husband and I weren’t sure what to expect. We decided to risk it and really enjoyed the ride on our hybrids. We took a 24 mile there-and-back from Stamford to Bloomville in late October 2020. Weather was a bit chilly, and we saw a few walkers, who seemed like locals, one other biker, and one motorcyclist. No problem finding the trail in Stamford — it’s right at the Depot.

Pros: (1) The scenery is really nice and has a great variety. We also biked on the Ashkogan trail while vacationing in the Catskills, and while that trail is better maintained, there is a lot more to see on this ride. You basically go through farmland, by streams, through small communities. (2) It’s very flat and easy riding.

Cons: (1) The trail is decently maintained, and not nearly as bad as some reviewers have suggested, at least between Stamford/Bloomville. There were a few bumpy sections, and some sections overgrown with grass. It had rained the day before, and there were a couple of muddy patches. If you want to barrel through as fast as possible without watching the trail, this isn’t for you. But if you want to keep a moderate pace, the trail is just fine. At no point did we need to get off our bikes or find it so bumpy that it was not rideable. I would say that 85-90% of the trail is in quite good shape — kind of like biking on a country lane. (2) There are a few sections near Bloomville where the trail passes right by backyards of small houses with a lot of trash and junk in them. Just not the nicest vibe. (3) We encountered one guy on a motorbike cruising down the trail at probably 30 mph. From other reviews, seems like motorized vehicles might be more frequent at some times than others. If that’s the case, that would definitely have changed this from a really fun ride to one that I wouldn’t enjoy.

This is a lovely trail. We ride it to connect to the Champlain canal trail in waterford. The connection is on waterford streets, but very easy to negotiate, just look for the Empire State Trail signs and enjoy the empty gravel tail along the canal

From Coons Crossing the trail has been extended 2.5 miles to Mechanicville. Beautiful broad paved trail along the railroad but far enough away to be safe. You may see a freight during your trip.

Great trail in the Albany area! Can't really add to the previous comments. Just note that there is major road construction on Rte 32/ South Pearl St at the eastern end trail head. The parking lot is still open but you may experience delays in getting to it. I would definitely advise not trying to on-road cycle to the trail head.

My wife and I rode the Warren County Bikeway and connected to the Glens Falls Canal trail system on August 31, 2020. The trail meanders a bit through Glens Falls local streets, then we rode on Warren Street a couple of blocks to Shermantown Road and connected to the Feeder Canal Trail. The Feeder Canal trail is a hard packed dirt/stone dust trail that runs along the old canal system…takes you past some old manufacturing plants, working cement plants, etc. Very flat, easy pedaling, you don’t really need a mountain/trail bike. The route we took went around some old industrial areas, past the backyards of some neighborhoods, through some small downtowns. A good amount of shade all along the way. We ended up at the Five Combines park and turned around, so we roughly went 10 miles round trip on this section as well. This is a nice resource for local folks in this area. Definitely check out the Feeder Canal website as it details more about the trail including several different branches you can take for more miles. A nice quiet ride.

This is my go to trail. Close to home, well kept, god for biking or walking and have always felt safe on it.

Trail near Amsterdam is pretty scenic and has potential to be really nice, however, the trail both East and West of Amsterdam was very bumpy in spots with many tree roots pushing thru the old pavement. Some sections need to be repaved.

August 2020
Starting in Round Lake at a wonderful parking lot, I rode and enjoyed the entire trail, which is beautifully asphalt paved. Some nice scenery. Finishing at 5:00 pm the local church was playing more than 5 minutes of various tunes, the longest I have ever hear. Definitely worth a visit.

August 2020
This short trail surprised me; it is better than you expect. Right along the Hudson River and the lock canal, the scenery is beautiful and the little village is charming. Definitely worth the visit.